College expenses are probably the most intimidating factor for students looking beyond their junior and senior years of high school.

Over at Pembroke Pines Charter High (and many other schools in South Florida), a Career Dual Enrollment program is offered to students looking to get ahead and alleviate some of the unnecessary expenses they will be faced with once they graduate college and make their transition into the “real world.”

The program is offered by Sheridan Technical College. Sheridan Tech offers industry-approved technical programs in which high school students can work toward earning their industry credential or license while obtaining college credit -- along with the credits they need for high school graduation.

Julia Saye, a guidance counselor who organizes the enrollment of students from Pines Charter for Sheridan Tech, said the program is extremely beneficial to her students.

“I have personally witnessed how excited our students get when they are able to participate in the hands-on experiences offered by Sheridan's vocational programs. We have had students leave the program being able to take cars apart, cut hair like a professional and assist in medical settings,” Saye said. “I love that our students can still graduate with a high school diploma while taking advantage of these worthwhile and practical opportunities.”

Specific career programs range from Barbering and Cosmetology to Culinary Arts. There’s something for almost everyone.

The program is a good fit for some students, said Denise Mancini, the Career Dual Enrollment coordinator at Sheridan Tech.

“Students have to have an interest in one of our programs. When a student isn’t interested in what they’re learning, they don’t tend to do well,” Mancini said.

“Students need to do a little bit of soul-searching so they know which one of our programs they can choose,” she said. “They need to make sure there is some type of interest or passion there, so they can do well in the program.”

Mancini said the program is geared toward those who are sure of what career path they want to take.

The program is a blessing in disguise for some students; they can attend half a day at Pines Charter and the other half at Sheridan Tech.

“I really enjoy commuting between both campuses. It can be challenging at times, though,” said Pines Charter senior Melosen Moreau. “But I appreciate the challenge because I definitely feel prepared for what’s to come in college.”

The dual enrollment program is open to other schools as well, and students in certain programs who live south of Sunrise Boulevard are even provided with transportation.

To be enrolled, students must:

Have a minimum 2.0 GPA.

Stay on track for graduation requirements.

Be a full-time Broward County student in their junior or senior year of high school.